Drag Reduction Using Biomimetic Sharkskin Denticles

Abstract

This paper explores the use of sharkskin in improving the aerodynamic performance of aerofoils. A biomimetic analysis of the sharkskin denticles was conducted and the denticles were incorporated on the surface of a 2-Dimensional (2D) NACA0012 aerofoil. The aerodynamic performance including the drag reduction rate, lift enhancement rate, and Lift to Drag (L/D) enhancement rate for sharkskin denticles were calculated at different locations along the chord line of the aerofoil and at different Angles of Attack (AOAs) through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Two different denticle orientations were tested. Conditional results indicate that the denticle reduces drag by 4.3% and attains an L/D enhancement ratio of 3.6%.

Aerodynamic drag reduction through sharkskin denticle: an experimental approach

“…The results of the experiments indicate that introducing the shark skin denticle at certain locations on the aerofoil can improve the aerodynamic performance of the aerofoil. To investigate the mechanisms leading to aerodynamic performance enhancement, three models are analysed using CFD [7].…”

“…For the drag reduction mechanism, based on the simulation analysis conducted by [7], the curvature of the denticle can generate streamwise vortices that bring the fluid with higher momentum closer to the wall from outside of the boundary. This helps to replace the momentum lost in the boundary layer due to surface friction.…”

“…Thus, the denticles were also printed using the same material (Figure 3). Existing 2D CFD simulations for the denticles show that denticles have best performance at 16% of the chord length in normal direction and at 60% in reversed direction [7]. Therefore, the denticles are glued to at these locations in normal and reversed direction on two aerofoils at their half width.…”

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis in Biomimetics Applications: A Review from Aerospace Engineering Perspective

“…Bhatia et al [ 57 ] performed a CFD simulation on the surface of a 2D NACA 0012 airfoil. The authors compared the analysis with the experimental structure of the sharksin denticles to understand the aerodynamic performance, particularly in terms of rate of lift enhancement, rate of drag reduction, and L/D ratio subjected to variation in AoA.…”

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Biomimetic Aerofoil in Transonic Flow

“…Bechert et al, [ 10 ] noticed that scales with V-shaped central ridges are good in solving fluid problems and are present on the surface of pectoral fins of a number of shark species. Bhatia et al, [ 11 ] improved the aerodynamic efficiency of a NACA 0012 aerofoil with the use of dermal denticles obtained from shark skin. In their research, two different shapes of denticles were designed and placed along the chord line of the aerofoil.…”